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Rafa Olympic Champion & new no.1

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by PositiveSteve (U10849794) 17 August 2008

Congratulations to Rafa Nadal for winning the gold medal.

Another awesome display to beat the spirited Gonzalez in the final.

However, like most of Rafa's opponents in the last few months he could not contain the power, determination, mindset (particularly on the big points) and the sheer all round ability of Nadal.

I invite all Rafa and non Rafa supporters to come on to this post to congratulate Nadal on his achievement of winning the gold medal and taking over the no.1 slot from Federer.

Rafa has now set the level for the likes of Nole and Murray to aspire to. They are trailing in the wake of this fine player.

I have read many tennis fans comments who still hold the view that Rafa is not a HC player and will never win the US Open.They are simply blind to the way Rafa has adapted his game.

He is clearly the favourite for the US and I do not think many will bet against him.

GO RAFA GO.

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comment by mitynadalfan (U13141231)

posted Aug 22, 2008

What makes me angry, is to listen to all the different strategies all the experts always offer on how to beat Rafa. It feels to me, everybody wants Roger to win.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Roger. What he has done over the last 4 years will not easily be matched. Not even Rafa.
But hey, I'm over the moon!! Rafa is where he wanted to be. He is my champ. Go Rafa, Go...

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comment by AbbyNo7 (U7304153)

posted Aug 22, 2008

A good tournament for all those players would be to win in the final.

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comment by rafafornumber1 (U12678315)

posted Aug 24, 2008

Congratulations to Nadal for his olympic gold and becoming the world number 1.Was beginning to think it won't happen this year but very happy to see him make it from his own efforts.No matter what happens he has done it all and nobody will write him off again no matter the surface.
I believe that Nadal will win a Gs on hardcourt soonest because the hunger to win everything is still with him.
For peolple that keep hampering on the Djokovic and Nadal matches keep forgeting one salient point which is anytime Djoko beat Nadal there is always a question of Nadal's fitness.If Nadal should get through the first few rounds easily then I see him winning the uso.Djoko no doubt has an egde over Nadal on hardcourt but a fit Nadal anyday will beat Djoko no matter the surface until Djoko improves his own fitness both mentally and physically when he comes up against Nadal especially in a 5setter.
Behind Rafa all the way....continue to make me proud.

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comment by deecoco (U11685945)

posted Aug 24, 2008

rafaforNo.1.

There is no bigger Rafa fan that me.. but dismiss Djoko at your peril..If Rafa is on form then there is no doubt he can win but be careful the chickens are laying thick and fast dont try counting them yet.

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comment by PositiveSteve (U10849794)

posted Aug 24, 2008

Deecoco

You are right to put Rafa's chances in perspective.

However, I do feel Rafa has a great chance to win at the US Open provided his knees do not give way.

All the other guys know how confident he is and will not relish having to go 5 sets to beat him because that is what they will have to do

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comment by deecoco (U11685945)

posted Aug 24, 2008

Steve

His knees are not my first concern.. Rafa has had a tough season..Im hoping he is not as tired as he looks. To me he looks like he has lost some weight .. hardly surprising.. not that in the heat of Flushing Meadows that might not stand him in good stead. But we both know that Rafa has had an uphill climb this season.. Im trusting that his form holds.Hopefully he will silence his critics; there are obstacles in his way.. but given his present form he an do it

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comment by PositiveSteve (U10849794)

posted Aug 24, 2008

Deecoco

I am not worried about his recent schedule.

He is on a high and the adrenalin will be pumping through his veins from the very first game.

He really wants to add this title to his collection and he knows he is the one the others have got to beat.

Fed knows this and has today tried to play the mind game by suggesting the pressure is now on Rafa now he has the no.1 ranking.

This will not affect Rafa it will only spur him on more.

This is his best opportunity to win a GS on HC.

I really believe he will do this

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comment by deecoco (U11685945)

posted Aug 24, 2008

Steve

Then I take comfort from that.. I am naturally nervous for him.. I know how much he wants it.. the next fortnight will make a nervous wreck of me